PHELAN, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A recent incident in Phelan has underscored the critical services provided by the San Bernardino County Code Enforcement and their effective collaboration with other agencies.
The situation unfolded on March 28 when Code Enforcement Officer Timothy Pfalzgraff from the North Desert Team responded to a complaint about an unpermitted business operation.
Upon arrival, Officer Pfalzgraff found a substantial outdoor stockpile of expired ethyl alcohol hand sanitizer. The approximately 5,000 cases, each containing four gallons of ethanol solution, amounted to over 20,000 gallons of hazardous material, with a total weight exceeding 160,000 pounds.
Ethanol is notably flammable, and improper storage or exposure to sunlight elevates the risk of fire. Additionally, airborne ethanol poses severe health risks, including dizziness, headaches, skin irritation, and allergic reactions.
The resident confessed to stockpiling the sanitizer during the COVID-19 pandemic, intending to sell it later. The cases had been left outside, deteriorating under the sun, which led to leaks and increased fire and health hazards.
In addition to the hazardous waste, the tenant was found to be operating an illegal wholesale clothing business and laundromat on the property. The piles of linens stored next to the deteriorating sanitizer heightened the risk, threatening the property and nearby communities and wildlife.
Noting the immediate danger, Officer Pfalzgraff quickly coordinated with the San Bernardino County Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team (SBCFD HazMat). A joint investigation took place on March 29, resulting in a Notice of Violation for both the property owner and the tenant. They were given 72 hours to dispose of the hazardous waste properly.
A follow-up investigation on April 2 showed the hazardous materials were still on-site, prompting an administrative citation for noncompliance. Persistent efforts and continuous contact eventually led to the proper disposal of all hazardous waste by May 1, through a licensed hazardous waste disposal service.
The coordinated response by San Bernardino County Code Enforcement and SBCFD HazMat averted a potential disaster, safeguarding the community and environment.
